Tips on Fighting Fatigue in the Workplace

We’ve all been there. The 2pm post-lunch crash. Perhaps it was tryptophan-induced food coma from the turkey sandwich you ate at lunch, or maybe it’s that morning coffee finally wearing off. Whatever the cause, fatigue in the office can affect your work function and performance, so I’d like to discuss a few steps you can take to fight this common occurrence.

Water is essential for all human bodies to function properly. But did you know that water can improve brain function, and according to studies, drinking water before each meal has been shown to help promote weight loss? Passing on sugary or high-calorie/highly caffeinated beverages and opting for water is a surefire way to battle workplace fatigue. “Water is vital to energy production in your cells and in your overall metabolism, and neurotransmission. Nerve transmission is heavily dependent upon water. When your body is dehydrated, nerve transmission is compromised and brain function strongly diminished.” It is recommended that we drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, so next time you’re staring down the barrel of a Red Bull, I encourage you to consider a glass of water as an alternative.

Running our proverbial engines all day takes its toll, and it is important that we all get the rest that we need. Getting yourself on a sleeping and waking schedule (even on weekends) will help your body repair itself quicker and improve your mind. Try going to bed at the same time every night, and rather than lounging on the couch until bedtime, shut off the TV about an hour before you go down, and try reading or writing before bed. This will help you drift off into the much needed R.E.M. sleep and ensure that your body and mind are getting the rest that they need to perform at your highest level at work.

Keeping the blood flowing throughout your work day is another way to ward of the afternoon yawns. If your days are spent in a chair staring at a computer all day, you’re not alone. But even the most comfy of desk jockeys can manage to work in some physical exertion into their schedule. Find ways throughout the day to incorporate these exercises and you’ll soon find yourself feeling more alert, and perhaps looking better too.

Look for opportunities to stand. You’ll burn more calories standing than sitting, in turn increasing your metabolism.

Take Fitness breaks. Rather than hanging out in the lounge with coffee or a snack, take a brisk walk or do some gentle stretching. For example, face straight ahead, then lower your chin to your chest. Or, while standing, grab one of your ankles — or your pant leg — and bring it up toward your buttock. Hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.

Trade your office chair for a fitness ball. Consider trading your desk chair for a firmly inflated fitness or stability ball, as long as you’re able to safely balance on the ball. You’ll improve your balance and tone your core muscles while sitting at your desk. You can even use the fitness ball for wall squats or other workplace exercises during the day.

Conduct meetings on the go. When it’s practical, schedule walking meetings or walking brainstorming sessions. Do laps inside your building or, if the weather cooperates, take your walking meetings outdoors. Being lucky enough to call San Diego home, we can take advantage of this virtually all year long.

Fatigue has affected us all at one time or another, but just because you have an office job, doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to fight it off. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, get plenty of rest and get your blood flowing whenever possible during your work day; your boss and your clients may soon thank you for it.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Water’s Powerful Role in Healthy Brain Function
By KG Stiles 

Justin Palicki
Account Executive
Mood: Pumped